ANTONINUS PIUS, a celebrated Roman emperor, was born A. D. 86, at Lanuvium in Italy. Distinguished for eminence of character, his family had long maintained the honour of the house of Nismes in Gaul, from whence they had descended. Both his father and grandfather had held the office of consul. Arius Antoninus, his maternal grandfather, by his amiable disposition and love of literature, had acquired an eminent character, and was very intimate with Pliny the younger. Under him the young Titus
after his father's death completed his education. His character on arriving at the age of maturity, manifested itself in the most promising manner. To an improved understanding, a virtuous heart, a mild and dignified character, and a noble eloquence, he joined a happy physiognomy. Simple in his taste, and guided by temperance in all his actions and sentiments, he was entirely free from all affectation and pomposity.
In the year 120, among the many public honours which his birth and connexions gave him a claim to, he was elevated to the high post of consul, and was afterwards appointed by Adrian to be one of the four consuls, betwixt whom the supreme power of Italy was divided. Becoming in his turn proconsul of Asia, he acquitted himself with such reputation that he even excelled his grandfather Arius who had formerly enjoyed that high trust. Returning from Asia he was not only received into the favour, but likewise the confidence and council of Adrian, and was always disposed to act with lenity. He married Annia Faustina, the daughter of Annius Verus, whose character was far from being untaxed with reproach; but his lenient disposition induced him to avoid public scandal, and he behaved towards his aged father-in-law with the most becoming respect. Two sons and two daughters were the fruits of this marriage. The sons died when they were young, and the eldest daughter, who was married to Lamia Sylvanus, died when Titus proceeded towards his Asiatic government. Faustina the youngest married Marcus Aurelius, who was afterwards emperor.
After the death of Verus, Adrian resolving to adopt Antoninus, he was induced to accept of the succession to so important a charge as the Roman empire, although with a considerable degree of reluctance, and was accordingly nominated by Adrian in February 25. A. D. 138, in the presence of the council of the chief senators, who at the same time created him his colleague in performing the proconsular and tribunitial duties. Extending his plans of adoption still farther, Adrian caused Antoninus adopt the son of Verus, then seven years of age, and Marcus Annius, afterwards named Aurelius, then seventeen years of age, a relation of Adrian's, and nephew to his own wife. The dutiful and merited attention which Antoninus bestowed on Adrian during the last months of his illness, gives a very high idea of his character. On July 10. A. D. 138, he succeeded to the empire amidst the universal acclamations of the senate and people, who anticipated in his well tried virtues that happiness which a good and wise sovereign is able to bestow upon his subjects.
The Roman world enjoyed such tranquillity under his reign that it affords few materials for history; yet it is to be regretted that Capitolinus is the only historian from whom any direct information can be received concerning this peaceful period, and he is none of the most perspicuous. It however appears that the usual honours and titles, together with the addition of the surname of Pius, which both his conduct and zeal in defending and honouring the memory of his predecessor united to suggest, were willingly conferred upon him by the senate. In the beginning of his reign there were several conspiracies formed against him, but this only afforded him an instance of signalizing his clemency, which he did in the most striking manner. Although he was unable to prevent justice from taking its due
course against the ringleaders, he prohibited all investigation after their accomplices, and took the son of Attilus, one of the principal conspirators, under his protection. Various commotions were raised in several parts of the empire; but by the vigilance of his lieutenants, these were easily quelled. The incursions of the Brigantes in Britain were restrained, and a new wall which was built to the north of that of Adrian, from the mouth of the Esk to that of Tweed, and which was called the Wall of Antoninus, was fixed as the boundary of the Roman province in Britain. The reign of Antoninus upon the whole was singularly peaceful, and realized a saying of Scipio, "That he preferred saving the life of one citizen, to destroying a thousand enemies."
A desire of promoting the interest of his people, of protecting them from oppression, of administering justice through every corner of the realm, and of being instrumental to the happiness and peace of his government, influenced all his proceedings. He delighted greatly in laying before the senate the motives of all his actions; and in his manner of living and conversing he employed the same prudent economy and air of equality, which had so distinguished his predecessors Trajan and Adrian. On account of the sweetness of his temper he bore with firmness many indignities offered him; and under his reign the race of informers was entirely extinguished, and condemnations and confiscations were very rare. The various public calamities which occurred in his time were all relieved by him with the greatest benevolence. He avoided as much as possible laying any burthens upon his people, and on this account made few journeys through his dominions. He was frugal in the use of the public revenues, but profuse in his own patrimony, a great economist, devoid of avarice, and very liberal towards works of ornament and utility, and even towards gratifying the pleasure of his people. A temple in honour of Adrian in Rome, and perhaps the amphitheatre and aqueduct at Nismes, were his chief buildings.
Jurisprudence was to this emperor, like that of his predecessor, an interesting subject for improvement; and several decrees which he issued, display his commendable spirit of equity. The natural consequence of this equity was, that Antoninus acquired a reputation and fame which no military achievements could have conferred; and his friendship was courted by the neighbouring princes.
There is scarcely a blot to be found to tarnish his character; and frugality, modesty, and harmless amusement continued to employ his private hours. It may perhaps be admitted that he was too indulgent towards an unworthy wife, and that the divine honours he bestowed on her memory were not merited by her conduct. In the management of his complicated business, he was exact to such a degree that it was even ridiculed by some; but he found the daily advantage of this accuracy. The growing virtue of Marcus Aurelius soon drew his attention after he ascended the throne, and having given him his daughter in marriage, he declared him Cæsar. Nor was he mistaken in his choice; for Aurelius acted with
the utmost fidelity and affection amid all the honours that he continued to confer upon him. Enjoying this large share of domestic bliss, in the 74th year of his life he was seized with a fever at his favourite country seat of Lori. Convinced of his approaching fate, he convened the principal officers of the state, and confirmed his election of Aurelius, and gave him the imperial ensigns. A delirium ensued, in an interval of which he gave the watchword Equanimitas, and calmly resigned his breath in the 23d year of his reign. His ashes were consigned to the tomb of Adrian, and divine honours paid to his memory. He was universally regretted, and succeeding emperors bore his name as a badge of honour. The senate and his successor erected a sculptured pillar to his memory, which is still shown to strangers as one of the chief ornaments of Rome. (Gen. Biog..)